Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA), located in Nasarawa State, runs its postgraduate programmes through the College of Postgraduate Studies. The college coordinates admission, fee collection, and academic supervision for candidates pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), a Master’s degree, or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the university. This article sets out the postgraduate courses currently available at FULAFIA for the 2026/2027 academic session, along with the fees candidates should expect to pay at each stage of the application and registration process.
Overview of FULAFIA Postgraduate Admission for 2026/2027
FULAFIA opened its postgraduate application portal for the 2026/2027 session on Monday, 10 August 2026, with the application window running through early October 2026. Candidates complete the process entirely online through the university’s postgraduate portal, and a qualifying examination forms part of the selection process for most programmes. The examination for the 2026/2027 intake is scheduled for 3 October 2026, so candidates need to submit their applications and required documents well before that date to avoid last-minute portal congestion.
Admission into FULAFIA postgraduate programmes is not automatic once an application is submitted. Departments review each application against their specific entry requirements, and candidates who meet the baseline academic qualification still need to sit and pass the qualifying examination before an admission offer is extended.
Postgraduate Courses Offered at FULAFIA
FULAFIA offers postgraduate study at three levels: Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s degree (M.Sc., M.A., or professional master’s), and Doctoral degree (M.Phil/PhD or PhD). Not every department runs all three levels; some departments currently offer only PGD and Master’s, while others run the full PGD-to-PhD pathway. The programmes span the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, and other academic units under the university.
The table below groups the postgraduate programmes by broad subject area to give candidates a clear picture of what is available.
| Subject Area | Programmes Offered | Typical Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Computer Science | PGD, M.Sc., PhD |
| Pure and Applied Sciences | Chemistry, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Plant Science and Biotechnology | PGD, M.Sc., M.Phil/PhD (varies by department) |
| Economics and Finance | Economics, Economics (Finance option), Agricultural Economics and Extension, Financial Economics (professional) | PGD, M.Sc., M.Phil/PhD |
| Social Sciences | Sociology, Social Work, Political Science, International Relations and Diplomacy | PGD, M.Sc., M.Phil/PhD |
| Peace, Security and Strategic Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies (professional master’s), Diplomacy, Security and Strategic Studies, Conflict, Intelligence and Security Studies | Master’s, Doctorate |
| Arts and Humanities | French, History and International Studies, Philosophy (Professional Ethics), Christian Religious Studies (including Divinity) | PGD, M.A., M.Phil/PhD |
| Medical Laboratory Science | Haematology and Management, Chemical Pathology and Management, Clinical Microbiology and Management, Histopathology and Management, Forensic Science | PGD, M.Sc., M.Phil/PhD |
This list reflects the core departments running postgraduate programmes at FULAFIA. Candidates should always confirm on the official postgraduate portal whether their specific department is accepting applications for the current session, since not every programme is opened for admission every year, and some professional master’s programmes run on a rotating basis depending on staff availability and student demand.
Entry Requirements by Programme Level
Admission requirements differ depending on whether a candidate is applying for PGD, Master’s, or PhD.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): Candidates need to meet the university’s general matriculation requirements and hold either an honours degree from FULAFIA or another recognised institution, or a Higher National Diploma (HND) with at least an upper credit in a relevant field. Candidates with a lower credit HND may still qualify if they can show a minimum of five years of relevant post-qualification work experience. This route is often used by HND holders who need a bridge into a Master’s programme, since a PGD pass qualifies a candidate to proceed to Master’s level even without a university degree.
Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.A.): Candidates need a first degree with a minimum of second class upper division in a field relevant to the programme they are applying for. Those with second class lower division and a CGPA of at least 3.0 on a five-point scale (or 2.50/50 percent for programmes in History and International Studies) may still be considered. Candidates whose first degree falls below this threshold, or who hold an HND, are required to pass through the PGD route first before applying for a Master’s programme.
PhD/M.Phil-PhD: Candidates need a good Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised university, typically with a CGPA of not less than 3.5 on a five-point scale or an average score of 55 percent. Relevant cognate work experience in the discipline may also be taken into account during selection.
All postgraduate applicants, regardless of level, are required to hold an NYSC discharge certificate or an official exemption certificate. Candidates who are still serving or awaiting completion of the NYSC programme are not eligible to apply, since FULAFIA does not consider applications from candidates who have not concluded this national service requirement.
FULAFIA Postgraduate Application Fee for 2026/2027
The application fee for the 2026/2027 postgraduate admission cycle is ₦26,000, payable through REMITA via the official postgraduate portal. This fee is non-refundable once payment is confirmed, so candidates should verify that they meet the entry requirements for their intended programme before making payment. The fee covers processing of the online application form and registration for the qualifying examination.
Payment must be initiated directly on the postgraduate portal rather than through third-party platforms, since REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR) codes generated outside the official portal are not recognised during document verification.
Acceptance Fee and What It Covers
Once a candidate receives an admission offer, an acceptance fee of ₦15,000 applies uniformly across all postgraduate programmes, whether PGD, Master’s, or PhD. This fee confirms that the candidate is taking up the offer of admission and secures the candidate’s place ahead of registration. It is separate from tuition and is paid before a candidate proceeds to course registration and clearance.
Postgraduate Tuition and School Fees Structure
FULAFIA’s postgraduate tuition fees are set annually by the School of Postgraduate Studies and vary according to the level of study (PGD, Master’s, or PhD), the department, and whether a student is a fresh admission or a returning student completing a later semester of the programme. As a general pattern, PGD and Master’s tuition tends to fall in a comparatively lower band, while PhD tuition, which factors in supervision, research support, and thesis-related costs, tends to sit at the higher end of the fee scale.
Because FULAFIA revises its postgraduate fee schedule from one session to another, and because charges differ by department and by semester within the same programme, candidates should not rely on a single flat figure for budgeting. Instead, the practical approach is to treat postgraduate fees as falling within a broad range that covers tuition, registration, library charges, ICT and departmental levies, and other compulsory charges billed alongside tuition. Candidates preparing financially for the 2026/2027 session should budget conservatively and confirm the exact figure for their specific programme once admission is offered, as the finalised invoice is generated on the student portal and reflects the department, level, and student status (fresh or returning) accurately.
The table below summarises the fee components candidates can expect during the postgraduate admission and registration cycle.
| Fee Type | Amount | When It Is Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | ₦26,000 | Before submitting the online postgraduate application |
| Acceptance fee | ₦15,000 | After receiving an admission offer, before registration |
| Tuition and departmental charges | Varies by programme, level, and department | After acceptance, during course registration each session |
| Qualifying examination | Included in the application process | Scheduled date announced with the admission timeline |
Steps to Apply for FULAFIA Postgraduate Admission
- Visit the official FULAFIA postgraduate portal and create an applicant account using a valid email address and phone number.
- Select the programme and department of interest, confirming that the specific programme is open for the current admission cycle.
- Generate a REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR) and pay the ₦26,000 application fee through the designated payment channel.
- Complete the online application form with academic records, referee details, and any other information the department requires.
- Upload scanned copies of credentials, including degree certificates, transcripts, and the NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
- Print the application summary or confirmation slip and prepare for the qualifying examination on the announced date.
- Monitor the postgraduate portal for the release of the admission list and, if offered admission, proceed to pay the ₦15,000 acceptance fee within the given deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the FULAFIA postgraduate application close for 2026/2027?
Applications opened on 10 August 2026, with the qualifying examination scheduled for 3 October 2026. Candidates should apply well ahead of the examination date, since late applications risk missing the registration deadline for the exam.
Can an HND holder apply directly for a Master’s programme at FULAFIA?
Not directly. An HND holder with a lower credit needs to complete a PGD programme first and pass before becoming eligible to apply for a Master’s degree. An HND holder with an upper credit may also be required to go through the PGD route depending on the department’s specific policy.
Is the postgraduate application fee refundable if a candidate is not offered admission?
No. The ₦26,000 application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application, so candidates should confirm their eligibility for a programme before paying.
Does every FULAFIA department run a PhD programme?
No. While many departments offer the full PGD-to-PhD pathway, some run only PGD and Master’s programmes. Candidates should check the current list of open programmes on the postgraduate portal before applying for a PhD in a specific department.